Today we have the pleasure of getting to know Alice from Alice and Lilly a little bit better, so Alice¦
Tell us about your business:
Alice and Lilly is an online boutique for little people – offering exquisite, unique hand-crafted accessories and goods from newborn through to adults.
My designs are a blend of funky, sweet, modern and most of all fun!
They are made with care from beautiful pieces from all over the world including crochet, silk, lace, feathers, designer fabrics and ribbons.
Hair accessories, baby fedora hats, handmade toys, designer wipes cases, taggie blankets, jewellery, fabric dummy clips, Bambeado Amber Teething jewellery…perfect one stop gift shop for expectant and new mums!
What inspired you to start your business?
Things are a little different now…but back in 2007 after the birth of my first child (Lilly), there were absolutely no hair accessories available for babies! I searched and searched, both online and in local stores – so I decided to create my own! I began with basic lace stretch headbands then moved onto baby snap clips and on and on it went…
I quickly began wholesaling my designs to baby stores in both Australia and NZ. My range just keeps on growing as does my family so I definitely have days when I wonder is it all a little much, but I really love designing and creating so I cant see me stopping anytime soon.
Is there an interesting anecdote behind your business name?
The Alice and Lilly name came very easy as my name is Alice and my eldest daughter is Lilly! The business was created for my daughter originally.
What is the most satisfying part of what you do?
Working with my children! Lilly especially, loves to help with choosing ribbon colours and helping me come up with new designs. For example my new range of Disney Princess inspired hair clips!
Also choosing my own hours! My partner works away so I work most nights when is he is not home then when he is I take a break
What would be your best tip for someone thinking about selling their handcrafted goods?
A great way to start out is to begin with your local markets. Its a great way to get your name and products out there and also gather feedback.
What is your favourite item you make?
It changes….at the moment I would have to say my new taggie giraffe designs. I am creating them with 2 different fabric combos again which I think looks really cool.
Any personal or business highlights in the last year?
Definitely launching my website it has been a very long process trying to complete this myself. I am finally happy with it!
3 things about you that people might not know?
- I am a serial œlist writer! I have pieces of paper lying around everywhere with lists of things to remember, things to do, yet I NEVER follow them!
- I have a terrible sweet tooth – I can eat a whole tin of condensed milk!
- I have 3 beautiful children – Lilly (4 yrs), Luca (2 yrs) & Kale (1 yr)
Thank you Alice, it has been a pleasure meeting you, the maker!
